Racal Instruments Introduces New 96-Channel Laser-Diode Burn-in System

Racal Instruments announces the introduction of its new 96-channel laser-diode burn-in system, featuring device optical spectrum measurement capabilities. The company's design integrates an OSA (optical spectrum analyzer) into the test system to accommodate required spectrum measurements of the device. The system additionally measures relative optical power, while evaluating monitor photodiode current, individual base-plate temperature control, TEC voltage, and TEC current, as well as device current, voltage, and thermistor temperature. With 0.06-10 nm OSA resolution and a temperature range of 20¡-85¡ C, the company's new burn-in system provides accuracy of 0.1¡ C, stability of 0.25¡ C, and up to 5 A drive current per device under test. It is designed for use by laser-diode manufacturers seeking a more comprehensive test burn-in configuration.

Recognizing customer needs to track spectrum and peak wavelength while varying temperature, Racal Instruments' Broad band/Photonics unit co-engineered the new laser-diode burn-in system with ADC.

"Current optical amplifier designs have evolved to require very tight control of the spectral emissions of the pump lasers used in them," said Dr. Prabhu Thiagarajan, Engineering Design Manager, Active Optical Components for ADC. "To ensure accurate predictions of long-term performance and reliability in actual use conditions, rigorous testing of the lasers and in-situ monitoring of the spectral emission is required during high-temperature accelerated aging tests. Racal has provided such a solution with the flexibility and in-depth understanding of our requirements."

"The unique requirement of tracking spectrum and peak wavelength during burn-in was one we felt uniquely qualified to provide," stated Carl Higgins, Business Manager of the company's Broad band/Photonics unit. "With LIV and spectrum an integral part of our burn-in system, characterization of the device is relatively complete, thereby reducing test time and cost with the elimination of device transfer to a supplemental station."

Racal Instruments, with over 800 employees and sales of $120 million, designs, manufactures, and sells electronic test and measurement equipment and systems to leading high-technology customers throughout the world. It has offices in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, India, PRC, Hong Kong, and Korea with a sales and support network in over 80 countries. The Broad band/Photonics Business Unit designs and manufactures a wide range of products and services for photonic device and wireline product test, including laser diode and semiconductor development, burn-in, life, and production test.

ADC is The Broadband Companyª. ADC tailors custom solutions of network equipment, fiber optics, software and systems integration services that enable communications service providers to deliver high-speed Internet, data, video, and voice services to consumers and businesses worldwide. ADC has operations in nearly 100 countries and is included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the Nasdaq 100 Index. Learn more about ADC Telecommunications, Inc. at www.adc.com.

For more information contact:

      Jack Pouchet

      Racal Instruments

      4 Goodyear St.

      Irvine, CA 92618-2002

      949-859-8999

      Fax: 949-859-7139

      E:mail: jack.pouchet@racalinstruments.com